Organic Architecture with John Rattenbury

John Rattenbury was a principal architect and planner for Taliesin Architects until 2003. A former Wright apprentice, Rattenbury has made efforts to educate the public about Organic Architecture. Almost a decade ago, he gained the attention of the mainstream via his brilliant and stunning design for Life Magazine's 1997 Dream House. This project was much in the spirit of Wright's 1938 Life Magazine Dream House because of its adherence to the same principles. The flexibility of this design and the various options have made it a Life Dream Home that has been built in multiple iterations all over the USA.

Two books Rattenbury wrote, A Living Architecture and A House for Life, attempt to express the essence of what Organic Architecture is all about. Both books have the same core mission, to get the ideas (not style) of Organic Architecture into the hands of those outside Taliesin's walls.

Some have criticized A Living Architecture as being un-scholarly and simplistic, but seem to miss the point that it is meant to be accessible to the lay person. The book outlines and details Wright's twelve architectural principles, while providing case studies of designs utilizing these ideas...all created by Taliesin Architects.

A House for Life, is written in a way that informs the reader about Wright's principles and then discusses the process of working with an architect and builder (i.e., The Design/Build Team) who understand these principles. Fans of Sarah Susanka's, The Not So Big House series would enjoy this material. The message is simple: A moderate-cost house can be both functional and beautiful. In doing so, we can create an environment that raises the level of quality of life for those who live within.

Images courtesy of Wayne Source and Amazon.com

Comments

[Chris]

I used to have a copy of the article from Life Magazine for the mentioned 1997 house for life, but for the life of me I cannot find it. Do you have a copy your could email me? At this point I am actually looking for the interior paint colors. If I remember correcctly the ceilings were alpine white and the walls a shade of mocha. I would like the actual shades and or paint brands used.

Thanks!

[Eric]

Unfortunately, we don't--but if anyone else has one they can scan, we'll be happy to post for everyone to enjoy.

[Tom Lymbery]

I went to a boarding high school (St. Georges) in Vancouver BC with John Rattenbury 1942 -1946
and would like to re-connect with him.

Tom Lymbery

[Betty Bearden]

We built the life dream house. Very beautiful. Love for rattenbury to see it..

[George Young]

How would I acquire a set of construction plans for the 1997 house for life, or plans for estimating construction cost? I came across it some years ago. I now own property which would suite it and would like to explore the possibility of constructing it.
Thank you

[S McN]

http://sunsethouseplans.com/plans/LDH1997L

[george young]

Thank you.

[William Kremer]

Finished our dream house in 2006. Excellent floorplan. Expanded bedrooms at either end of house, raised roof pitch, shed dormers, eliminated lite shelves inside, rear porch became sunroom, 2 fireplaces, attached 3 garage. I think Roddenbury would appreciate the finished product. Michigan's Upper Penninsula. Visited Taliesin last week. The tour was enlightening

[Keith Bell]

I want to build this house in western North Carolina. Does anyone know a builder who has experience with this design?

[William Abbott]

Chris, I have a copy and if you email me your address I'll scan the appropriate pages for you.

Keith, I built his home 5 years ago in Sherrills Ford, NC Catawba County). Do not use my builder, but you are welcome to come see it some time, despite it's builder's boo-boos. Email me with you email address and I'll give you my phone number.

[John bowser]

John rattenbury just spent the week at our dream house in nw Pennsylvania!! What an experience! John is a real treasure!